Welcome back to the West Texas Windshields blog! Have you ever wondered just how dangerous driving with a cracked windshield really is? While you might think that small crack in your windshield is nothing more than a nuisance, the truth is, that little crack is a real driving hazard that will only get worse if you ignore it. As your Top Rated Local® windshield replacement team in West Texas, we’re here to fix your windshield with a quick and efficient repair or replacement to get you back on the road with a clear, safe windshield. Take it from us, other car experts, and the local law enforcement — driving around San Angelo with a cracked windshield is dangerous, and here’s why:

Impairs Your Line of Sight

Cracks in a windshield are not only annoying, they are also dangerous. A crack that starts out small will likely splinter out into a much larger crack over time. What’s more, a crack in your auto glass usually branches off in all directions. The crack itself can become a distraction that draws your attention away from what’s on the road. If a crack is located in your direct line of sight, it may impede what you can see. Even worse, windshield cracks are notorious for capturing the rays of the sun and turning them into a blinding glare that can cause temporary vision loss. For some people who suffer from migraines, these bright glares can trigger a painful headache that may also become a driving distraction.

Temperature Changes

Temperature changes can affect your auto glass in many ways. While your windshields and car windows are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions and different elements, a damaged windshield is susceptible to further damage when temperatures change dramatically. Windshields are made of glass which expands and contracts in different temperatures. As we’ve seen in recent months, snowfall in West Texas can happen. Therefore, a cracked or damaged windshield can easily shatter in cold temperatures. This is especially important if you plan to take your vehicle on a big road trip, as you will likely drive through different climates and weather patterns that could affect your damaged windshield. If you’re driving to a location in a higher elevation, the elevation change will also impact your windshield, so keep this in mind before you travel by car with a cracked windshield.

Auto Accidents

A cracked windshield becomes more vulnerable to shattering when your vehicle is involved in an auto accident. This is incredibly dangerous because even a minor fender bender could cause it to shatter. This could send glass flying towards a driver and passengers that could lead to injuries to the face, eyes, and body.

Additional Protection

A windshield protects the driver and passengers from road debris that would certainly cause injuries without it. What’s more, auto glass shields passengers from the elements like wind, rain, and snow. Your windshield was also designed to support your car’s airbags before these can protect you and your passengers in an accident. When a windshield is cracked, it may not properly support the airbag features, and will likely shatter instead.

Reduces Structural Integrity

Your windshield is an essential component to supporting the structural integrity of your entire vehicle. When your windshield is cracked or damaged, it becomes susceptible to shattering which makes the surrounding structures of your vehicle vulnerable to bending and buckling. This can lead to severe injuries to anyone riding in the vehicle, and can make it more difficult for emergency crews to access and remove the people inside.

Call for Windshield Replacement

So is driving with a cracked windshield dangerous? We would certainly say so. A cracked windshield can be repaired or replaced quickly, and should, therefore be taken care of immediately. In fact, our mobile windshield replacement team will even come to your home or work to fix your cracked windshield. Don’t place yourself, your loved ones, and others on the road in danger with a cracked windshield. Rather, have it repaired or replaced right away to reduce the risk of driving a dangerous vehicle. Not sure where to have your windshield serviced? When you search, “Windshield Replacement Near Me,” choose the auto glass company who treats every customer like family. Bring your vehicle into West Texas Windshields in San Angelo, and experience a fast, friendly, and efficient windshield replacement that only a Top Rated Local® auto glass company can provide.

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